Achates

PRONUNCIATION:

(uh-KAY-teez)

MEANING:

noun:
A trusty friend or companion.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Achates, the faithful companion and friend of Aeneas, in the epic poem
Aeneid by the Roman poet Vergil (70-19 BCE). In the story, Achates is called
fidus Achates (faithful Achates) and he accompanies Aeneas everywhere in his
adventures.

USAGE:

"I was baffled by the lack of reference to the sleuth of Baker Street
and his trusty Achates."
John Banville; Bloomsday, Bloody Bloomsday; The New York Times;
Jun 13, 2004.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. -John Muir, naturalist, explorer, and writer (1838-1914)